The first thing you notice about the 2013 Audi A4 2.0 TSFI quattro Premium Plus S Line (now there’s a mouthful) is its over-arching sense of quality. If you’re into bespoke timepieces, or simply appreciate fine workmanship in mechanical things, the Audi’s attention to detail will delight.

The panel gaps are tighter than the E Street band after an eight-month tour, and the beautifully executed interior is a paragon of taste, design, and (some MMI interface niggles aside) functionality.

With a starting price of $47,400 (six-speed manual car is $45,800), the Premium Plus with the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission is the top dog A4. In addition to power-everything, sunroof, and proximity key, new for 2013 this model gets Bang and Olufsen audio, three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, navigation, park assist, back-up camera, and adaptive headlights with cornering function.

Bottom line for this loaded tester in fetching Glacier White Metallic ($750) was $51,550.

Motivation comes from VW/Audi’s ubiquitous 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder that powers just about everything from that mega-manufacturer but the kitchen sink. And so it well should, as it is a stellar engine that is constantly being improved.

Here it is rated at 211 hp and 258 lb-ft from 1,500-4,200 rpm, and it feels every bit as strong as BMW’s 241 hp 2.0L turbo found in the 3 Series, probably because the torque figures are quite similar. I’ve always felt VW/Audi has underrated this engine’s power figures.

So yes, put your foot in it and the 2013 A4 proves to be a very swift sedan indeed, helped in no small part by the slick eight-speed auto that does a fine job of keeping the engine in the sweet spot. The A4 is efficient too—I saw 8.3 L/100 km at the end of the week. Much of my driving was on the highway where the A4 is a serene and true-tracking champ. The engine spins a lazy 1,600 rpm at 100 km/h.